News

Special Award for High Country Excellence

08 October 2014

NEW ZEALAND - The conviction of New Zealand’s high country growers combined with the collaboration of two leading primary sector companies was recognised as a winning combination at the 2014 NZ Food Awards.

Launched three years ago, AOM is a joint venture of Silver Fern Farms and The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) whose vision was to develop a premium product to the world’s most discerning diners.

Initially prototyped in domestic markets, the programme is now gaining momentum exporting into five markets: United States of America, Emirates, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Sliver Fern Farms, Chief Executive, Keith Cooper said: “The markets are growing in the right direction; domestically we are 28 per cent above last season/year to date and internationally we are approaching a key window, for the following reasons: China is expected to buy more aggressively for their winter period, traditionally a higher period of consumption, and we expect sales to gather momentum following this month's launch in the Middle East and Dubai.

“We also continue to grow the market in the United States of America where there is an established New Zealand market for niche premium products.”

The New Zealand Merino Company, Chief Executive, John Brakenridge spoke of the dedication of growers to quality and their commitment to the market driven business model.

“Growers have committed to the development of a programme for their long term sustainability. Their hard work to deliver the very best quality product has resulted in SILERE alpine origin merino entering markets and growing market share,” he said.